march-2011

PRAGUE
BLOSSOMING
IN BEAUTY
As winter thaws, one of Europe’s best-loved cities, the Czech
capital of Prague, is preparing to spring back into life.
FOR YEARS, PRAGUE has been one of
the most visited tourist destinations, with
millions coming to enjoy its remarkable
history and architecture and rich selection
of culture and entertainment. In addition
to the largest historical city reserve listed
in the UNESCO World Heritage list, Prague
boasts many other attractions. In spring
and summer, the city parks and historical
gardens are open; the Vltava River is
traversed by sightseeing steamboats; and
cultural institutions have full programmes,
guaranteeing an unforgettable visit.
Festive atmosphere
The beginning of the tourist season has
traditionally been associated with Easter.
For the entire month of April, the Old Town
Square blossoms into a colourful garden,
with Easter goodies, traditional crafts and a
festive atmosphere.
A walk round the well-preserved historical
city centre is a must. The so-called Royal
Way is the coronation procession route
that Czech kings took from the Old Town to
Prague Castle, and this is still where the most
impressive views of Prague’s monuments
can be enjoyed. The palace gardens – newly
restored thanks in part to an initiative of Prince
Charles – are also worth visiting.
Entertainment for everybody
An evening jazz cruise down the Vltava
River is a remarkable experience. Or you can
travel by steam boat to the largest Zoo in the
Czech Republic, in Troja, whose inhabitants
include a male gorilla, Kiburi, and a
Rothschild giraff e cub born earlier this year.
Prague is also renowned for its
rich cultural life. The 66th year of the
international music festival Prague Spring
is worth seeing, with a festive presentation
of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 as its highlight.
Lovers of classical music will enjoy the third
year of the Easter Festival. And pop music
fans will appreciate the United Islands of
Prague music festival, held on the Vltava
River’s islands and embankments.
Sports-lovers will not lack for excitement
either, with biking, horseback-riding and
tennis and, for the golfers, 17 courses
located within 50 km of Prague.
FESTIVALS
EASTER FESTIVALS
Classical and jazz
music focused on
spiritual pieces
associated with Easter.
Prague, 19–30 April
2011, www.fok.cz
PRAGUE SPRING
The oldest Czech
music festival, with
leading international
ensembles and soloists.
Prague, 12 May–4 June
2011, www.festival.cz
UNITED ISLANDS
OF PRAGUE
A multi-genre festival
with the absolute best
of contemporary
world music.
Prague, 23–25
June 2011,
www. unitedislands.cz
SUMMER LETNÁ
International festival of
new circus and theatre
in one of the most
beautiful city parks.
Prague, 21 August–4
September 2011,
www.letniletna.cz
CONCERTS
ROGER WATERS
The legendary founder
of Pink Floyd is coming
on his latest tour,
The Wall Live.
Prague, O2 Arena,
15 & 16 April 2011,
www.rogerwaters.com
ADVERTISING PROMOTION
SADE
The popular British
singer’s fi rst tour in 17
years will stop in Prague.
Prague, O2 Arena, 14 May
2011, www.sade.com
SUZI QUATRO
The American rocker
and 1970s-80s icon
is coming to play her
greatest hits.
Prague, Prumyslový
palác, 27 May 2011,
www.suziquatro.com
BRYAN ADAMS
The American rocker
and 1970s-80s icon
is coming to play her
greatest hits.
Prague, O2 Arena,
19 June 2011,
www.bryanadams.com
EXHIBITIONS
THE GOLDEN SIXTIES
An entertaining look at
this period which led
to the occupation of
Czechoslovakia.
Prague, Vítkov National
Monument, until 15 May
2011, www.zlatasedesata.cz
KAREL ŠKRÉTA
(1610-1674): HIS
TIME AND WORK
An exhibition of the
works of the most
important Czech
Baroque painter.
Prague, Wallenstein Riding
Hall, until 10 April 2011,
www.skreta.cz